For individuals owning furnaces and other HVAC units, it's important to keep safety in mind as the spring and summer season approaches.

“Many homeowners don’t realize the potential risk factors involved when their HVAC unit is not properly maintained after the cold winter months,” says Interstate Co-Owner Raymond Kishk. “Not only can heating and cooling systems pose a serious threat to one’s health, it can also pose a serious threat to the life of the equipment.”

Here is a brief checklist of suggested heating and cooling end-of-season maintenance one can do to prevent any health risks:

Clean and change your air filters. Do you have any idea what is in the air you breathe? In the past we have found the following caught inside an air filter, lint, dust, debris, pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites. Not to mention, changing filters often saves you money.

Close the gas valve. When you stop using your unit for heat, make sure to close the gas line. Gas could be escaping into the room, which is very dangerous. Troubleshooting and diagnosing any problems can be difficult for someone who has no knowledge of the system, so calling a professional can give you peace of mind knowing your unit is safe for use.

Changing your belt, and lubricating motors. Replacing belts allows for the motor to run efficiently. A motor would work twice as hard if the belt is loose. Cleaning & lubricating motors is also a must do pre summer season. Not doing so is causing the HVAC system to draw more power to circulate the air in your house leading to higher energy bills.

Clean you evaporator and condenser coil before using your air conditioner. Dirty coils will increase operating costs because adequate heat transfer is not provided, which will lead to a reduction in cooling. A evaporator coil is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can greatly impact the indoor air quality.